20 Tasty Bean Recipes Ready to Level Up Your Weeknight Menu

If you want easy meals that deliver big flavor, this bean inspired roundup has everything from quick salads and veggie packed stir fries to air fried sides and hearty comfort food. Discover tasty black bean burgers, creamy white bean hummus, crunchy green bean fries, cozy beans and cornbread and even sweet treats like black bean brownies. Whether you need a fast weeknight dinner, a fresh lunch idea or a fun twist on classic dishes, these bean recipes are simple, satisfying and perfect for any day of the week.

10-Minute Marinated Butter Bean Salad

A bowl of salad with large white beans, chopped red onions, and diced carrots, mixed with a wooden spoon. — 10-Minute Marinated Butter Bean Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

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Butter beans soak up a quick marinade filled with simple seasonings. Fresh vegetables add crunch and color. The beans stay tender and hold their shape. It comes together fast for an easy side dish.
Get the Recipe: 10-Minute Marinated Butter Bean Salad

25 Minute Black Bean Burger

A close-up of a veggie burger with leafy greens, purple cabbage, and creamy sauce on a toasted bun, with another burger in the background. — 25 Minute Black Bean Burger. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Black beans form a sturdy base that binds well with added ingredients. The patties sear nicely and hold up during cooking. Each burger offers a hearty texture. They pair well with a wide range of toppings.
Get the Recipe: 25 Minute Black Bean Burger

4 Bean Salad

A bowl of three bean salad with kidney beans, chickpeas, yellow wax beans, celery, and red onion on a blue checkered cloth. — 4 Bean Salad. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

A mix of four beans creates appealing variety in every bite. A light dressing ties the salad together. Crisp vegetables add texture throughout. It keeps well when chilled.
Get the Recipe: 4 Bean Salad

Adzuki Bean Coconut Curry

A person holding a bowl of rice and beans with lime wedges, garnished with herbs, next to a small dish of red pepper flakes and cilantro sprigs. — Adzuki Bean Coconut Curry. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Adzuki beans simmer in a warm coconut based sauce. The beans soften and absorb the aromatic spices. The sauce thickens slightly as it cooks. It is a comforting and flavorful dish.
Get the Recipe: Adzuki Bean Coconut Curry

Air Fryer Fried Green Beans

Air fryer basket with crispy breaded zucchini fries, some arranged on a blue plate next to green bean sticks. — Air Fryer Fried Green Beans. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Green beans become lightly crisp in the air fryer. A simple coating helps them brown evenly. The texture stays snappy inside. They make a great finger food.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Green Beans

Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans

Frozen green beans cook quickly without thawing. The air fryer removes excess moisture and adds slight crispness. Seasonings cling well to the surface. It is a handy side for weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans

Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole

This version uses the air fryer to heat the filling and crisp the topping. Green beans soften while the sauce thickens. The topping turns golden and crunchy. It is convenient when oven space is limited.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole

Air Fryer Green Bean Fries

A plate of breaded green bean fries served with a bowl of creamy dipping sauce. — Air Fryer Green Bean Fries. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Green beans receive a light coating before air frying. They crisp up while keeping their tender bite. A simple dip pairs well with them. They are a fun alternative to classic fries.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Green Bean Fries

Baked Beans with Hamburger

A plate of baked beans mixed with ground beef, placed on a white plate. The plate is on a colorful tablecloth, with a red cloth and greens nearby. — Baked Beans with Hamburger. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Hamburger adds richness to classic baked beans. The mixture simmers until thick and flavorful. Each spoonful has a blend of meat and tender beans. It is a hearty side dish.
Get the Recipe: Baked Beans with Hamburger

BBQ Black Bean & Chicken Tortilla Pizza

A baked flatbread pizza topped with melted cheese, green onions, and herbs sits on parchment paper with a slice missing; fresh greens are in the background. — BBQ Black Bean & Chicken Tortilla Pizza. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Black beans and chicken sit on a tortilla base with barbecue sauce. The edges crisp quickly in the oven. Cheese melts into the toppings. It is a fast and fun meal idea.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Black Bean & Chicken Tortilla Pizza

BBQ Green Beans

A white bowl with barbecued green beans and chuncks of ham. — BBQ Green Beans. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Green beans cook with a smoky barbecue inspired sauce. The flavors deepen as they simmer. The beans stay firm enough to hold their shape. They pair well with grilled foods.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Green Beans

Beanless Chili

A bowl of chili topped with cheese, onions, and green onions, served with a wedge of lime and a slice of cornbread on a plate with a spoon. — Beanless Chili. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

This chili relies on meat, tomatoes and spices instead of beans. The texture becomes thick as it cooks down. The flavors meld nicely over time. It serves well with cornbread or rice.
Get the Recipe: Beanless Chili

Beans and Cornbread

Warm cornbread balances the savory beans. The beans simmer with simple seasoning until tender. The contrast of textures works well together. It is a classic comfort pairing.
Get the Recipe: Beans and Cornbread

Beef and Green Bean Stir Fry

Thin strips of beef cook quickly with crisp green beans. A savory sauce coats everything evenly. The beans maintain a bright color and slight crunch. It is ready in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Green Bean Stir Fry

Best Black Bean Brownies

Black beans blend seamlessly into the batter. The brownies bake into moist squares with rich chocolate flavor. No one can detect the beans once baked. They offer an inventive take on dessert.
Get the Recipe: Best Black Bean Brownies

Black Bean and Corn Salad

Black beans and corn create a colorful base. Fresh herbs and vegetables add brightness. A tangy dressing ties the ingredients together. It works well for picnics and gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean and Corn Salad

Black Bean Enchiladas

A glass baking dish with six enchiladas topped with sauce and cheese, surrounded by bowls of sour cream, cucumber, radish slices, parsley, and a plate on a wooden board. — Black Bean Enchiladas. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Black beans form a hearty filling inside tortillas. Sauce and cheese bake into a warm, bubbling dish. The beans provide satisfying texture. It is a crowd pleasing casserole style meal.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Enchiladas

Black Bean Quinoa Burger

Quinoa adds structure to mashed black beans. The patties hold up well during cooking. The combination creates a hearty and balanced texture. They stack nicely with classic burger fixings.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Quinoa Burger

Black Bean Salad

A person holds a spoonful of corn, black bean, and diced vegetable salad over a bowl, with another bowl of the same salad in the background. — Black Bean Salad. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

A straightforward mix of black beans and vegetables forms a quick salad. The dressing provides tangy flavor. Each bite offers color and texture. It is simple yet satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Salad

Blackstone Green Beans

Green beans cook on a flat top griddle for quick searing. The heat creates caramelized spots on the beans. Seasonings cling well as they cook. They make an easy outdoor side dish.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Green Beans